Welsh eyes on Genia
Wallabies' scrumhalf Will Genia is expecting extra attention as Wales bid to level the three-Test series against Australia in Melbourne on Saturday.
Genia was outstanding as man-of-the-match in the Wallabies' 27-19 win in last weekend's opener in Brisbane and he anticipates he will be a marked man as the Welsh look to close down the Australian attack.
The Australian vice-captain was at the heart of Australia's offensive game last week, scoring a dazzling individual try and setting up another for Pat McCabe in the Wallabies' three-tries-to-one victory.
If Wales successfully shut Genia down on Saturday that will place extra pressure on Berrick Barnes at flyhalf to direct the Australians' backline.
"We expect them to play off their No.10 (Barnes) a lot more this week because they played off their nine (Genia) a lot last week," Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards said on Friday.
Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde added: "Genia was obviously very active and a thorn in our side around the breakdown. We've obviously got to try and get our hands on him a bit more."
But Genia sees the extra attention on him as a positive for his teammates in an unchanged Australian line-up.
"I'll just ship it early," Genia said. "If there's a little more attention close to the ruck, then there'll be space elsewhere."
Wales showed last week that they can present Australia with a real challenge after storming back from 6-20 to trail the Wallabies by just a point with 18 minutes left, only to be killed off by McCabe's converted try.
The Welsh have been boosted by the arrival this week of their Six Nations-winning coach Warren Gatland, hobbling on crutches following the broken heels he sustained in a fall at his New Zealand home.
"To see his face does give us a boost," skipper Sam Warburton said. "Warren has had a big influence on a lot of players, particularly the younger ones in terms of giving us a chance. It's great that he's back in the squad.
"That will lift the players and the management I am sure."
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